A reader writes:

I’m tired of people saying men shouldn’t sit with their legs apart. Why not? It’s the most comfortable way to sit.

Victoria Coren Mitchell responds:

Well, quite. And the healthiest. Summer’s coming, think of the heat! Why should you endanger your sperm count to placate tutting lefties?

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A couple of years ago, Richard Madden from Game Of Thrones fell foul of the most furious shriekers after he was photographed, legs splayed, on a train. Personally I was charmed to see such a handsome little beefcake attempting to show himself off to the world. My only quibble is that he was clutching an umbrella in one hand. Never sit clutching an umbrella. There’s something nervous and fidgety about it.

How not to... mansplain

Hugo Rifkind

14 Sep 2015

However, it’s one thing if you’re Richard Madden. The open-legged loll is a more difficult look for the ordinary man to carry off. Your average Joe does not look attractive with his flat feet on the floor and his knees agape.

But you didn’t say it was attractive. You said it was comfortable. Were you concerned with attractiveness, I would advise you to adopt the “relaxed leg cross”, with your right calf or ankle resting gently on your left knee. That is by far the most stylish way for a man to sit: confidently occupying the space, without significantly impinging on anyone else’s.

But if comfort is your only concern, sit how you like. Carry a cushion, crack open a cold one and enjoy yourself.